Walker Sime sponsor world record breaking LEGO bridge move

Posted 21st July 2017byfoundryadmin

Walker Sime are proud to announce we’re one of the sponsors of the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) World Record breaking Lego bridge, this is the longest single bridge span created out of LEGO bricks, unaided by glue or structural supports. The previous record was a single span of 14 metres – ICE achieved a new record with a single span of 16.46 metres, to give the bridge a total span of 31 metres.

Currently located in London, ICE North West are now bringing the LEGO Bridge to Liverpool, and installing it in the prominent position of The Capital on Old Hall Street. This move could not have been achieved without the support of their sponsors; Liverpool BID Company,Walker Sime, Crouch Waterfall, Curtins, Kier

The exhibit demonstrates the complex challenge of creating such a vast suspension bridge using only the materials that you would find in a child’s LEGO toy box, the hope is that this becomes a major attraction in the city, to inspire kids to explore engineering, bridge building and construction as an interest or career. The bridge will be right on our doorstep and once constructed will be open to the public to visit.

We at Walker Sime play an active role in educating and inspiring younger generations and are extremely proud to be a part of this fantastic movement, having recently been awarded the bronze GM Chamber Social Value award we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to engage, inspire and educate. This is an exciting attraction which we have no doubt will draw the attention of potential Civil engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers!

Bridge stats:

It stands over three metres tall and spans more than 30 metres – almost the equivalent of three London busses

It weighs three-quarters of a ton

It is made up of over 200,000 individual plastic LEGO bricks.

ICE world record LEGO bridge comes to Liverpool

The world’s biggest LEGO bridge is to be assembled at The Capital Building on Old Hall Street in Liverpool, the Institution of Civil Engineers announced today.

The Guinness World Record-holding bridge, designed for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and originally displayed at their headquarters in Westminster, will stand 3 metres tall, with a span of 31 metres – almost the length of three Liverpool double-decker buses end-to-end. More than 200,000 individual LEGO bricks weighing altogether three-quarters of a tonne will go into its construction.

The bridge will be installed on 9 and 10 August and will be opened to the public on 11 August.

Darrell Matthews, North West Regional Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers, said:

“It’s LEGO and it’s fun, but also some of the children who come to marvel at this bridge will perhaps start to think about becoming a civil engineer one day – when they’ll get the chance to build real bridges like the new Mersey Gateway, or roads, tunnels, railways, tramways, energy systems and all the other infrastructure that literally shapes the world.”

Bill Addy, chief executive of the Liverpool BID Company, which represents the interests of 1,500 businesses in Liverpool city centre, and is key sponsor for the project, said:

“We didn’t hesitate in seizing this opportunity to host the amazing ICE world record LEGO bridge in the Commercial District. From children to adults, LEGO is universal in its appeal – and this will surely be one of the must-visit attractions in the city. Our levy payers – including many wonderful shops, cafés and restaurants in and around Old Hall Street will benefit hugely from the increased footfall that the project will generate, and the local business community in the area will have a new place to visit during lunch break! We are very excited for construction to begin and seeing the finished bridge in all its glory!”

Darrell Matthews of ICE added:

“It’s impressive to see local businesses step up to support projects that encourage young people into engineering and construction, which will help fill the UK’s skills gap. We wouldn’t have been able to bring the ICE world record LEGO bridge to Liverpool without the generosity of civil engineering companies Crouch Waterfall, Curtins and Kier, and quantity surveyors and project managers Walker Sime, and we’re very grateful to all of them.”

Notes to editors

The above image shows the ICE world record-breaking Lego bridge in its original location at ICE’s headquarters, One Great George Street, Westminster.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) was founded in 1818 to ensure professionalism in civil engineering. It represents more than 90,000 qualified and student civil engineers across the UK and around the world. ICE works with the government of the day to help it achieve its objectives, while working with industry to ensure construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK domestic and export economies. @ICENorthWest

Liverpool BID Company is an independent, non-profit organisation, representing the interests of 1,500 businesses in Liverpool city centre, across two BID (Business Improvement District) areas – City Central BID (retail and leisure) and Commercial District BID. Website: liverpoolbidcompany.com. @LpoolBIDcompany

Crouch Waterfall is an established firm of civil, structural and geotechnical consulting engineers with extensive experience in the core areas of bridges, rail infrastructure, buildings, temporary works and geotechnical services. Formed in 1981, they have enjoyed steady growth with works carried out throughout the UK from four regional offices. The practice boasts a strong and growing team of chartered engineers, engineers and technicians of varying levels, all supported by capable administrative and finance staff. Website: crouchwaterfall.co.uk.

Curtins is an award-winning, leading consultancy working within the built environment with a rich heritage that spans nearly 60 years. They’re well known for their work as civil and structural engineers but also provide other key services to help develop the built environment. Website: curtins.com. @CurtinsConsult

Kier Group plc is a leading property, residential, construction and services group which invests in, builds, maintains and renews the places where we work, live and play. They operate across a range of sectors including defence, education, housing, industrials, power, transport and utilities. Website: kier.co.uk. @kiergroup

Walker Sime are a North West based quantity surveying and project management company with an established office in the heart of Liverpool business district for over 10 years. They write: “Our company values are engrained into our business and work ethic. Personality and attitude are part of our DNA. We lead by example and ensure a client-focused service. Walker Sime are proud to be associated with significant and transformational developments in and around the City of Liverpool including commercial, residential, transport, leisure, marine and industrial schemes in Albert Dock, Liverpool Waters, Wirral Waters, the ports, the city centre and the suburbs.” Website: walkersime.co.uk. @walkersime